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1 – 10 of 463The academic–practitioner gap has been a widely discussed and well-established issue. Despite numerous studies conducted in this area, empirical evidence reveals that the gap is…
Abstract
Purpose
The academic–practitioner gap has been a widely discussed and well-established issue. Despite numerous studies conducted in this area, empirical evidence reveals that the gap is widening and also emphasizes the exigency to bridge this gap. Hence, the purpose of this study is to propose an acceptable solution that will fill this lacuna.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts the qualitative research methodology and was based on the system theory (ST) and the institutional theory (IT). Interviews, based on a semi-structured questionnaire, were conducted, focusing on three categories, namely individuals with solely academic experience, individuals with both academic and industrial exposure and business leaders. The unit of analysis was the individual.
Findings
The study, which unearthed some rich and challenging evidence from the respondents, reveals that gaining industrial exposure and working on continuous professional development are vital for academics to narrow or even close this gap. In addition, serving as apex members at board level or in professional bodies, serving global organizations as lead consultants and working on research collaborations are other important dimensions for academics.
Practical implications
This study introduces an emerging model named the “Pentagon Model” and develops a corporate index (C-index) for academics to earn, similar to the h-index. The study also explains the operationalization of the C-index based on the proposed algorithm. Hence, it is the envisaged that this study will change the landscape of the academic sphere in practical terms.
Originality/value
This study was carried out with the sole intention of bridging the gap between academics and practitioners. The proposed model and the index, which were developed by the author purely based on the outcome of this study, pave the way for many future research studies, not only to further improve the C-index but also to minimize disparities in transdisciplinary work between academics and practitioners.
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Euripidis Loukis and Diomidis Spinellis
The security aspects of public sector information systems are important as the respective systems are often part of critical infrastructures or deal with personal or sensitive…
Abstract
The security aspects of public sector information systems are important as the respective systems are often part of critical infrastructures or deal with personal or sensitive data. A set of 53 Greek public sector organizations were investigated by means of a structured questionnaire concerning important aspects of information systems security. We present the relevant theoretical background, the methodology of our research, and an analysis of the obtained results. Greek public sector organizations have only a basic level of information system security awareness. Most care about digital data confidentiality; however, only a small percentage have developed a systematic, complete, and integrated approach towards the security of their information system, including internal audit procedures. The importance of proper training and generally the importance of the human factor for achieving high levels of information systems security is often underestimated.
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Pei-Chi Kelly Hsiao and Martin Kelly
Integrated reporting (IR) aims to improve the quality of information available to capital providers. While IR is associated with decreases in investor uncertainty and increases in…
Abstract
Purpose
Integrated reporting (IR) aims to improve the quality of information available to capital providers. While IR is associated with decreases in investor uncertainty and increases in firm value, it is unclear how IR information directly influences investment decisions. This paper aims to investigate the investment considerations of Taiwanese investors and their initial impressions of the International Integrated Reporting Framework (IIRC Framework). In doing so, this study examines the relationships between investment considerations and the IIRC Framework’s concepts.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 16 investors in Taiwan. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data collected.
Findings
In addition to economic and financial outlook, competitive advantages and ownership structure, Taiwanese investors emphasise management credibility as an important factor that influences investment decisions. Investors are reliant on private information sources and quantitative data. Sustainability disclosures and sustainability performance beyond legal requirements are often not considered. Taiwanese investors lack awareness of the IIRC Framework and are sceptical about the premise that integrated reports can provide information material to investment appraisal. The assertion that integrated reports reduce information asymmetry and influence investment decisions has to be treated with caution.
Research limitations/implications
Self-selection bias and a potential lack of transferability in the findings are issues inherent in the research method and sample used.
Practical implications
IR information needs to be frequently updated rather than disclosed in a periodic report. Furthermore, integrated reports need to demonstrate a direct link between non-financial performance and financial value creation.
Social implications
Mandating the supply of integrated reports is unlikely to influence investors’ capital allocation decisions unless investor demand is a driver of the regulation.
Originality/value
This study is one of the few to investigate IR from the investor’s perspective. Observations from this preliminary study warrant further investigations into the relevance of IR to investment communities globally.
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Kaotar Nayme, Abouddihaj Barguigua, Brahim Bouchrif, Idrissa Diawara, Fatima El Otmani, Naima Elmdaghri, Khalid Zerouali and Mohammed Timinouni
The purpose of this paper is to assess the occurrence of the extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC β-lactamase genes in 144 Escherichia coli isolates recovered from 160…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the occurrence of the extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC β-lactamase genes in 144 Escherichia coli isolates recovered from 160 vegetable salad samples.
Design/methodology/approach
Among the 144 E. coli isolates recovered from 160 vegetable salads, 17 (12 percent) ceftazidime-resistant isolates were screened for ESBL production with the double disk-diffusion test. The ESBL-producing isolates were characterized for antimicrobial resistance, the presence of virulence genes and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinants. The isolates were also subjected to phylogenetic group typing. The existence of plasmid AmpC genes and mutations in the regulatory region of the chromosomal AmpC gene was assessed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. All β-lactamase isolates were further characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to determine the genetic relatedness.
Findings
Overall, 17 (12 percent) of the 144 E. coli isolates studied were ceftazidime resistant. Among the 17 isolates, 13 (77 percent) were multidrug resistant and four (23.5 percent) were ESBL producers. The bla CTX-M14 was the only gene detected. Of the 12 AmpC-producing isolates, three (18 percent) harbored plasmid-encoded AmpC and sequencing analysis of the chromosomal AmpC genes revealed mutations in the promoter/attenuator region. PMQR determinants were detected in 9 (52 percent) isolates. A was the most prevalent phylogenetic group (56 percent), followed by groups B1 (31 percent), D (6 percent), and B2 (6 percent). PCR showed that six (50 percent) ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli isolates carried one and/or two virulence genes. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed no epidemiological relationship between these isolates.
Originality/value
This study places vegetable salads within the spectrum of ecological niches that may be vehicles for antibiotic-resistant bacteria/genes with clinical interest and these findings are worthy of attention as their spread to humans by ingestion cannot be dismissed.
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Irene Lopatovska, Kirtika Arora, Flita Veleny Fernandes, Anjali Rao, Simona Sivkoff-Livneh and Brianna Stamm
The study aims to explore the current experiences of Ukrainian adolescents affected by the Russia-Ukraine war. The study focused on the changes in adolescents’ lives caused by the…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to explore the current experiences of Ukrainian adolescents affected by the Russia-Ukraine war. The study focused on the changes in adolescents’ lives caused by the war, adolescents’ emotional reactions to the disruptions caused by the war, coping strategies employed by adolescents in dealing with disruptions and the role of information technology in supporting new realities and coping strategies of adolescents.
Design/methodology/approach
This study relied on semi-structured interviews conducted on Zoom with 27 Ukrainian adolescents ages 10-18. Participants were recruited using the snowball sample and came from various regions of Ukraine. The interview notes and partial transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify the common and unique patterns in participant responses.
Findings
The interview data revealed the signs of traumatic experiences and various stages and methods of coping with them. Participants’ resilience was supported by external factors, including families, communities, continuous schooling, ability to talk to friends, information technology, as well as internal skills, including social competence, problem-solving, critical consciousness, autonomy and a sense of purpose. Participants shared specific recommendations for improving information platforms and online content, e.g. making them more accessible and affordable for Ukrainian users, improving content curation and personalization, creating and promoting Ukrainian content and others.
Research limitations/implications
Research relied on convenience sample of participants who had access to information communication technology (ICT), were aware and had an ability to participate. Field work is needed to reach out to participants without access to ICT.
Practical implications
This study contains broad recommendations for improving information technologies for the use of Ukrainian adolescents.
Social implications
This research offers three timely account of the first-hand experiences of Ukrainian adolescents affected by the Russia-Ukraine war and can inform future work aimed at improving life conditions for teen population.
Originality/value
This study relied on first-hand reports of Ukrainian adolescents’ experiences, feelings and coping strategies during the first three months of Russia-Ukraine war. The study applied war trauma and resilience frameworks to interpret the findings and translate some of the findings into practical recommendations for the information science community.
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Ghasem Pachideh and Majid Gholhaki
With respect to the studies conducted so far and lack of researches on the post-heat behavior of cement mortars containing pozzolanic materials, the purpose of this paper is to…
Abstract
Purpose
With respect to the studies conducted so far and lack of researches on the post-heat behavior of cement mortars containing pozzolanic materials, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the post-heat mechanical characteristics (i.e. compressive, tensile and flexural strength) of cement mortars containing granulated blast-furnace slag (GBFS) and silica fume (SF). In doing so, selected temperatures include 25, 100, 250, 500, 700 and 9000c. Last, the X-ray diffraction test was conducted to study the microstructure of mixtures and subsequently, the results were presented as power-one mathematical relations.
Design/methodology/approach
Totally, 378 specimens were built to conduct flexural, compressive and tensile strength tests. Accordingly, these specimens include cubic and prismatic specimens with dimensions of 5 × 5 × 5 cm and 16 × 4 × 4 cm, respectively, to conduct compressive and flexural strength tests together with briquette specimen used for tensile strength test in which cement was replaced by 7, 14 and 21 per cent of SF and GBFS. To study the effect of temperature, the specimens were heated. In this respect, they were heated with a rate of 5°C/min and exposed to temperatures of 25 (ordinary temperature), 100, 250, 500, 700 and 900°C.
Findings
On the basis of the results, the most profound effect of using GBFS and SF, respectively, takes place in low (up to 250°C) and high (500°C and greater degrees) temperatures. Quantitatively, the compressive, tensile and flexural strengths were enhanced by 73 and 180 per cent, 45 and 100 per cent, 106 and 112 per cent, respectively, in low and high temperatures. In addition, as the temperature elevates, the particles of specimens containing SF and GBFS shrink less in size compared to the reference specimen.
Originality/value
The specimens were cured according to ASTMC192 after 28 days placement in the water basin. First, in compliance with what has been specified by the mix design, the mortar, including pozzolanic materials and superplasticizer, was prepared and then, the sampling procedure was conducted on cubic specimens with dimension of 5 × 5 × 5 mm for compressive strength test, prismatic specimens with dimensions of 16 × 4 × 4 mm for flexural strength test and last, briquette specimens were provided to conduct tensile strength tests (for each temperature and every test, three specimens were built).
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Hemant Krishnarao Wagh and Girish R. Desale
The helical spring lock washer (HSLW) is a part of nut bolt joint assembly used in different industries like automobile, aerospace, mechanical, chemical, electrical, electronics…
Abstract
Purpose
The helical spring lock washer (HSLW) is a part of nut bolt joint assembly used in different industries like automobile, aerospace, mechanical, chemical, electrical, electronics, etc. It works as a part of temporary joint and plays important role in loosening behavior of assembly under dynamic (vibrations) conditions. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the performance of HSLW under different controlled operating conditions in order to satisfy its functional requirement.
Design/methodology/approach
In the present investigation, a novel test rig is designed and developed to determine the load-deflection characteristics of HSLWs. The test rig facilitates the controlled linear displacement of the HSLW with predetermined angular rotation of the handle gives the corresponding reaction load on the display. Additionally, the repeatability and reproducibility of the test rig was carried out.
Findings
The newly designed and developed test rig is capable enough to differentiate the load-deflection characteristics during compressive loading and unloading of HSLWs. Additionally, the loss of strain energy can be determined from the load-deflection characteristics of HSLW.
Originality/value
The present test rig is designed and developed to investigate the load-deflection characteristics under compressive loading and unloading of HSLW. The test rig has least count of 0.4905 N for load measurement and 0.01389 mm for linear displacement.
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Despite its envisaged benefits, integrated reporting (IR) has yet to achieve its “breakthrough”, especially among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite its envisaged benefits, integrated reporting (IR) has yet to achieve its “breakthrough”, especially among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study aims to discern SME leaders’ attitudes toward IR, and thereby to reveal managerial perceptions of both the potential benefits and the challenges that actually prevent them from embarking on IR.
Design/methodology/approach
This explorative study is grounded on semi-structured interviews with 16 managers of large German SMEs, which yet do not apply IR but are potential candidates to implement it in the future. The engagement with non-preparers is expected to paint a more representative picture of actual reasons for IR (dis-)engagement compared to prior studies that address the few firms that have adopted IR and overcome its challenges. Applying Brown and Fraser’s (2006) conceptual landscape, results are presented analogous to a business case-, stakeholder accountability- and critical theory dimension.
Findings
Contrary to prior studies, which identified stakeholder accountability endeavors as kindling SME managers’ interest in voluntary reporting initiatives, managers regard IR primarily as a business case, serving to achieve legitimacy, improve corporate image, reach out to professional investors and assist in employee recruitment. However, they refrained from actually adopting the novel reporting medium, which suggests that decision-makers might not believe the business case to be as unproblematic as claimed by the proponents of IR. This was traced back to three major impediments that currently inhibit SMEs from reporting in an integrated way, namely, a perceived lack of interest by the relevant publics, infeasibility of the IR concept to meet user needs and preparation costs. These drawbacks resemble those of earlier voluntary reporting experiments, calling into question the “revolutionary” character of IR. The study critically concludes that the future development of IR depends on addressing these barriers.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first explorative study to deliberately engage with IR non-preparers to draw conclusions on impediments to IR. The identification of relevant incentives and disincentives for IR among SME managers at first hand not only adds to the small extant IR research body and provides valuable insights for research, practice and standard setting but also contributes to the contemporary debate about dominant legitimacy-based explanations in the broader domain of social and environmental accounting and reporting.
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Yonathan Silvain Roten and Regine Vanheems
Even as retailers add digital features to their physical stores and equip their service teams with digital devices, no research has addressed the implications of frontline…
Abstract
Purpose
Even as retailers add digital features to their physical stores and equip their service teams with digital devices, no research has addressed the implications of frontline employees (FLEs) sharing a screen side-by-side with customers as a contemporary service practice. This paper aims to identify the potential customer benefits of this service practice.
Design/methodology/approach
Noting the lack of theoretical considerations of screen-sharing in marketing, this paper adopts an interdisciplinary approach and combines learning theories with computer-supported collaborative learning topics to explore how screen-sharing service practices can lead to benefits or drawbacks.
Findings
The findings specify three main domains of perceived benefits and drawbacks (instrumental, social link, individual control) associated with using a screen-sharing service. These three dimensions in turn are associated with perceptions of accepted or unaccepted expertise status and relative competence.
Research limitations/implications
The interdisciplinary perspective applied to a complex new service interaction pattern produces a comprehensive framework that can be applied by services marketing literature.
Practical implications
This paper details tactics for developing appropriate training programmes for FLEs and sales teams. In omnichannel service environments, identifying and leveraging the key perceived benefits of screen-sharing can establish enviable competitive advantages for service teams.
Originality/value
By integrating findings of a qualitative research study with knowledge stemming from education sciences, this paper identifies some novel service postures (e.g. teacher, peer, facilitator) that can help maximise customer benefits.
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The current study seeks to present and examine the strategies, management and dissemination of information on social media platforms by Israeli government organizations and…
Abstract
Purpose
The current study seeks to present and examine the strategies, management and dissemination of information on social media platforms by Israeli government organizations and agencies.
Design/methodology/approach
The article uses the “Case Study” approach, through semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted with directors in charge of the use of social media in government departments.
Findings
The findings indicate that government agencies tend to favor Facebook over other social network platforms, in order to reach the widest possible audience. They do this by adhering to the platform's limitations, such as regularly using sponsored advertising to increase reach and visibility, and also by publishing visual content, such as videos and images, at the expense of text. In addition, the impact of respondents to adopt social media outweighs the use and importance awarded to traditional government websites. A clear preference is evident toward cultivating and strengthening existing information on social media at the expense of further developing official websites.
Originality/value
Findings and conclusions from this type of research can help digital media directors and content editors in government agencies, to improve the quality of their content and improve the accessibility of the information they share online. In addition, the findings of the study strengthen the growing body of knowledge focused on the relationship between government ministries and social media.
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